Eleanor''s words were entirely objective and rational, devoid of any personal emotion.


    "I understand what you''re saying,"n said hoarsely, but then his voice grew firm and low. "But I don''t need it."


    The finality in his tone was unmistakable.


    Eleanor''s calm voice suddenly took on a note of frustration. "Ian, relying on you as the sole donor is a huge risk. Besides, you''ve only given blood a few times and you''re already sick. Don''t overestimate your own physical resilience."


    The tension inn''s brow suddenly eased, and a faint smile touched his lips.


    So, her insistence on keeping Vanessa was also hiding a concern for his health.


    "Are you worried about me?"n''s voice softened, a hint of pleasurecing his words.


    On the other end, Eleanor''s tone grew even colder. "An unstable donor is a potential risk. Evelyn might need you in the future."


    He paused, his voice bing resolute again, almost exnatory. "Eleanor, I know you''re thinking about the Goodwin family from a professional standpoint, but some choices can''t be made based on pros and cons alone."


    Eleanor let out a coldugh. "Aren''t you the one who always loves to weigh the pros and cons?"


    "I''m sorry. I''ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and let you down," Ian said, his voice low and sincere.


    "I didn''t call to hear you apologize or to discuss the past. I only care about one thing keeping Vanessa as a backup donor. Thope you won''t make an irrational decision based on personal feelings and gamble with the future of your family and Evelyn."


    Eleanor''s words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the flicker of hope he had for forgiveness.


    Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced his heart, as if it had been viciously squeezed.


    After a few seconds of silence, he spoke again, his voice raspy and yielding. "I''ll listen to you. We''ll keep Vanessa as a backup donor."


    He continued, "You''re right. An extrayer of security is more responsible for the Goodwin family and fore Evelyn. I was being irrational and didn''t think it through."


    "I''m d you see it that way," Eleanor said before hanging up.


    Listening to the dial tone,n slowly lowered his arm, a flicker of disappointment in his deep eyes.


    Later, Dr. Lyman returned. As the needle went in for another IV drip,ny on the sofa without so much as a flinch. He even took his medicine without protest.


    Sitting nearby, Gavin was surprised


    by his boss''spliance. In the


    past Goodw Mr


    I would al


    to tough out any illness, bus


    try


    time, it was as if he couldn''t wait to get better.


    Then again, with so much on his te, he really couldn''t afford to be down for long.


    Just then, Gavin''s phone rang. He nced at the screen and said ton, "Mr. Goodwin, it''s Miss Shannon."